Anyone at any age can dance—from the youngest toddler (aren’t they cute?) to an elderly adult in a wheel chair. Dancing is a universal expression to music. When dancing, you hear a beat, you feel the rhythm, and you move your body. Whether you prefer ballroom, line, jazz, hip-hop, or swing, there is a dance form to fit every personality.
Dancing is a great weight-bearing aerobic workout and a fun way to burn some calories! In fact, a 150-pound adult can burn as many as 150 calories doing moderate dance for half an hour. As if trimming down weren’t reason enough to start moving, the Rowlett fitness center says that the process of learning and remembering new dance moves has been shown to benefit your mind as you age.
Dance for Your Body
Why should you get off the couch, call the kids, and turn up your favorite tunes? Because moderate to intense dancing provides a host of health benefits for your body. It can improve muscle tone; strengthen bones and muscles while being easy on the joints; improve posture and balance; increase flexibility; and improve the health of your heart by reducing your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. As you dance, you’ll probably work muscles that you didn’t even know you had. Besides your legs and arms, your core will also get a surprisingly good workout.
Not been to the gym in a while? No problem. Dancing is an exercise that’s easy to adapt to your fitness level. You can move slowly or increase the intensity as you see fit. Dancing is also an easy type of exercise to stick with, because it’s fun!
Dance for Your Mind
Dancing isn’t only good for your body, but your mind also receives benefits from dancing. This type of exercise has the potential to reduce stress, build confidence, decrease depression, and provide a great social opportunity.
As opposed to other types of physical activity, dancing—particularly ballroom dancing—has been shown to improve memory and reduce your chance of developing dementia. Why would this be? Dancing, like any exercise, increases blood flow to the brain. Social dancing is a way to reduce stress, feelings of depression, and loneliness. Also, the process of memorizing new steps and working with a partner challenges your brain to stay sharp.
Options Abound
Maybe you’re interested in taking a class to learn new types of dances and meet new people. Or maybe you’d prefer to get down in the comfort of your own home, where no one is looking. Regardless, you can get in a good calorie-burning workout in through dance. If you opt for classes, they’re available for any age and ability, and if you look long enough, you can find classes for many different dance styles. You may find classes at a private dance studio, dance school, fitness club, or community center. Take a friend, your spouse, or plan to be matched with a new partner if needed. You’ll enjoy making memories and will get in shape alongside your friends or your family.
Kids may enjoy ballet, tap, or clogging. Young adults may like belly, hip hop, swing, salsa, flamenco, line, or modern. Older adults may prefer square, folk, or ballroom. There are many dance options and none of them are limited by age. Try whatever type you want! But put on your dancing shoes and get moving!
This article was submitted by a Rowlett Personal Trainer from Fit Body Boot Camp Rowlett.